The holiday season is a busy time of year for businesses — and also one of the most common periods for loan delays. Between year-end deadlines and heavier lending volume, even a well-prepared business can encounter setbacks in the financing process.
The good news is that with proactive planning, you can keep your loan on track and avoid unnecessary delays. Here’s how to ensure your loan moves smoothly through the pipeline during the holidays:
1. Start the Process Early
The closer you get to late November and December, the tighter timelines become.
Starting early gives you:
- More time to gather documents
- A higher chance of closing before year-end
- Less stress for you and your team
If financing is a part of your strategic plan for the end of Q4 or early Q1, beginning now ensures that you’re ahead of the seasonal rush.
2. Have Your Financial Documents Ready
Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the leading causes of delays in commercial lending.
Before submitting your loan request, make sure you have all of the documents required by your lending partner. This often includes:
- Year-to-date financial statements
- Prior two to three years of business tax returns
- Income statements
- Personal financial statements (for guarantors)
- Debt schedules
- Organizational documents
Providing clean and complete financials helps your loan move forward without interruption.
3. Respond Promptly to Requests
During the holidays, lenders and underwriters are often working through increased volume with fewer business days. The faster you return information, the faster your file progresses.
A good rule: Try to respond within 24–48 hours whenever possible.
4. Communicate Your Timeline Clearly
If your goal is to close before year-end or early in the new year, make sure your lender knows this from the beginning.
Share:
- Your ideal closing date
- Any upcoming business decisions tied to the financing
- Deadlines for tax strategy
- Operational needs that depend on funding
Clear communication allows your lender to prioritize your file and coordinate timelines with third parties accordingly.
6. Keep Your Business Information Updated
If anything changes about your business during the loan process such as ownership, location, revenue, contracts, or liabilities, make sure you tell your lender right away.
Last-minute surprises can slow the approval process or require updated documents. Keeping everyone informed helps ensure your loan progresses without unexpected setbacks.
7. Choose a Lender Who Can Move Efficiently During Peak Season
Not all lenders have the same capacity during the holiday months. Some slow down significantly, while others maintain steady momentum.
Working with a lender who offers clear communication, reliable turnaround times, commercial lending expertise, and a smooth documentation and closing process can make all the difference in keeping your loan timeline on track.
How CBS Can Help Your Business
At Cooperative Business Services (CBS), we understand how important timing is — especially during the busy holiday season. CBS partners with credit unions nationwide to provide competitive commercial financing with the expertise and efficiency borrowers need.
When you work with one of our partner credit unions, you gain access to:
- Streamlined documentation and closing coordination
- Experienced loan structuring support
- Responsive communication throughout the process
- A lender committed to keeping your timeline on track — even during peak seasons
Whether you’re planning a year-end purchase or gearing up for growth in 2026, CBS helps business borrowers secure the financing they need — without unnecessary delays.
If you’re preparing for a new project or expansion, now is the perfect time to explore your commercial financing options.
